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I read some time back that DirecTV was, for example, no longer sending out kits for recovering older models like HR20s when sending replacement units. That sparked debate about their not doing anything in writing, or even email, to formally release the customer of this return requirement.

Has DirecTV changed this practice at all? As it stands now, no matter what they tell you verbally, per the T&C and/or equipment lease addendum, the customer has to send all leased receivere equipment back. If they are simply not sending a kit and/or verbally saying "we dont want it back", that does not exactly constitue a legal release IMO.

I read some time back that DirecTV was, for example, no longer sending out kits for recovering older models like HR20s when sending replacement units. That sparked debate about their not doing anything in writing, or even email, to formally release the customer of this return requirement.

Has DirecTV changed this practice at all? As it stands now, no matter what they tell you verbally, per the T&C and/or equipment lease addendum, the customer has to send all leased receivere equipment back. If they are simply not sending a kit and/or verbally saying "we dont want it back", that does not exactly constitue a legal release IMO.

Just wondering, as my HR20-700 is now 5.5 years old.

When I upgraded to HD over 3 years ago they told me on the phone they did not want my old D11 receivers back. I asked the tech about it and he said to just throw them in the trash. I did.I have not had a problem.

I read some time back that DirecTV was, for example, no longer sending out kits for recovering older models like HR20s when sending replacement units. That sparked debate about their not doing anything in writing, or even email, to formally release the customer of this return requirement.

Has DirecTV changed this practice at all? As it stands now, no matter what they tell you verbally, per the T&C and/or equipment lease addendum, the customer has to send all leased receivere equipment back. If they are simply not sending a kit and/or verbally saying "we dont want it back", that does not exactly constitue a legal release IMO.

Just wondering, as my HR20-700 is now 5.5 years old.

If you would like something in writing just email them and wait for the response. They do not recover HR20 models. DirecTV is not out to get you if they tell you they don't want it back then they dont want it back. If you are suspect of that call again ask the same question if you get the same answer have them note your account then have them read the note back to you and then you are covered.

To be skeptical is understandable.
I replaced a broken HR20-100 six or seven months ago with a HR-500.
The Directv rep told me on the phone they do not want the HR20 back.
It is still sitting in my basement in a box and I've been watching by monthly bill carefully waiting for the no return fee.
But it has never happened.

To be skeptical is understandable.I replaced a broken HR20-100 six or seven months ago with a HR-500.The Directv rep told me on the phone they do not want the HR20 back.It is still sitting in my basement in a box and I've been watching by monthly bill carefully waiting for the no return fee.But it has never happened.

They will not provide you a release, however they do deactivate the receiver a certain way, that tells the system not to put a recovery out on the non-recoverable receiver. No NRF should apply if the rep who deactivated the receiver did it properly. If for some reason you do see a charge, you can have it reversed with a phone call to tech support.

I read some time back that DirecTV was, for example, no longer sending out kits for recovering older models like HR20s when sending replacement units. That sparked debate about their not doing anything in writing, or even email, to formally release the customer of this return requirement.

Has DirecTV changed this practice at all? As it stands now, no matter what they tell you verbally, per the T&C and/or equipment lease addendum, the customer has to send all leased receivere equipment back. If they are simply not sending a kit and/or verbally saying "we dont want it back", that does not exactly constitue a legal release IMO.

Just wondering, as my HR20-700 is now 5.5 years old.

The receiver will always be leased. It will not be recoverable. There is a large difference between the two. The lease agreement states you may be charged a fee for not returning a piece of leased equipment that is requested to be returned. That receiver will not be asked.

They will not provide you a release, however they do deactivate the receiver a certain way, that tells the system not to put a recovery out on the non-recoverable receiver. No NRF should apply if the rep who deactivated the receiver did it properly. If for some reason you do see a charge, you can have it reversed with a phone call to tech support.

The agent deactivating the receiver doesn't need to do anything special or diffrent.

I realize they are not going after people for all I know. It just seems they could easily give someone a release. That's all.

If you want something in writing, maybe the best bet would be to send them an email saying that you never received a recovery kit for your HR-20 and ask that they send one. They will likely send you an email saying that it doesn't need to be returned. You can then keep that email for your records.